The National Lottery has given a cash boost to the Ancre Somme Association Scotland to mark the First World War’s centenary.

The association was awarded a £9300 grant for its project ‘Families Of The Great War’ in Whitburn.

Awarded through the Heritage Lottery Fund’s (HLF) First World War Then and Now programme, the community-based project will focus and enable local people and school pupils to develop an understanding of the impact of WW1 on families in the Whitburn area.

Education and skills development will be placed at the heart of the project. Volunteers will be supported to develop research skills and to deliver effective school sessions whilst school pupils will learn to carry out research and co-curate their own exhibition.

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This project will also create a lasting legacy to Whitburn’s WW1 families through the creation of memorial stones and digital and paper based learning materials which allow pupils and local people to engage with the story of these families in years to come.

To mark the centenary of the First World War, the project will enable local people in Whitburn to come together to preserve the memories and heritage of the people who lived through the First World War. Volunteers will collect photographs, newspaper clippings, documents, letters and photos of keepsakes, as well as family tales passed down to help them build a clear picture of what life was really like 100 years ago.

With help from professionals, the information gathered will be digitally recorded and an on-line interactive archive will be created where everyone can access and contribute information.

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ASA Scotland chairman John Jenkins said: “We’re absolutely delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players, we will ensure that Britain’s Bravest will never be forgotten, we will work with the community and leave a legacy for future generations”

“Education is at the heart of our association, we must do more to inform our children and communities of our Armed Forces 100 year heritage.”

Whitburn head teacher Tracey Loudon added: “Students and staff at Whitburn Academy are thrilled to be invited to participate in this HLF project.”

Lucy Casot, head of HLF Scotland, said the impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching every corner of the UK and so education is vital.

She continued: “Since April 2010, the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded over £70million to more than 1300 projects – large and small - that are marking this global centenary; with our small grants programme, we are enabling even more communities like those involved in Families of the Great War to explore the continuing legacy of this conflict and help local young people in particular to broaden their understanding of how it has shaped our modern world.”